Constituency Question: Training & Study Opportunities

Ros SPENCE (Yuroke) (11:38:29) — (14 832) My constituency question is to the Minister for Training and Skills. What resources are available for young people in the Yuroke electorate that are considering what training and study opportunities will be available to them in 2019? The Andrews Labor government’s massive investment in TAFE has restored a number of opportunities for young people to get a qualification they can trust for a career they want. The free TAFE initiative, for example, has been hugely popular, with my office receiving a huge number of inquiries from local residents. As a significant proportion of students in the Yuroke electorate choose to pursue a vocational qualification after completing secondary school, I would greatly appreciate any information about resources that are available to these students as they make decisions about their future careers.

Response: 

Free TAFE for Priority Courses will give more Victorians the chance to study at TAFE.  It will reduce the financial barrier for new students wanting to train in courses that lead to the occupations that are needed most by employers in the Victorian economy. The investment of $172 million will make 30 priority TAFE courses and 20 pre-apprenticeship courses in these growth industries tuition fee-free.

Your constituents can contact the TAFE and Training line on 13 18 23 or visit the Free TAFE website: www.freetafe.vic.gov.au.

Whilst students have the opportunity to attend the many TAFE campuses across the State, the TAFE closest to your electorate is Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE-Broadmeadows campus. Bendigo Kangan Institute will also be able to answer your constituent’s questions, including eligibility and course offerings.

The Broadmeadows campus intends to deliver twenty priority courses in 2019.  These courses include:

Non-apprenticeship courses

  • Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping / Diploma of Accounting
  • Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
  • Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention
  • Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
  • Certificate IV in Community Services / Diploma of Community Services
  • Certificate III in Concreting
  • Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
  • Certificate III in Education Support
  • Certificate IV in Engineering
  • Certificate III in Horticulture
  • Certificate III in Hospitality
  • Certificate III in Individual Support
  • Diploma of Justice
  • Certificate III in Tourism

Apprenticeship pathway (pre-apprenticeship) courses

  • Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship
  • Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational)
  • Certificate II in Engineering Studies
  • Certificate II in Horticulture
  • Certificate II in Plumbing (Pre-apprenticeship)
  • Certificate II in Production Nursery

The Victorian Skills Gateway website is a one-stop-shop of Victorian vocational education and training to help find the best option for study and a career. Searches can be performed on occupations, courses, training providers, video and written case studies. Your constituents may also wish to visit the Victorian Skills Gateway website: www.skills.vic.gov.a u/victorianskillsgateway/.

I would encourage your constituents to contact the Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE Skills and Jobs Centre to obtain expert advice on training and employment opportunities in their area of interest. Skills and Jobs Centres are a first port-of-call for those who are looking to enter the workforce, start training, re-skill, or for employers to meet their workforce needs. Your constituents can contact them on 13 82 33 or visit the Skills and Jobs Centre website: http://skillsandjobs.com.au/.

Furthermore, the Government is investing an additional $304 million for extra training to meet industry demand for trained graduates. This investment will fund TAFEs, Learn Locals and private training organisations to deliver more than 30,000 additional enrolments in the courses our economy and community need most across the State.

The Hon Gayle Tierney MP
Minister for Training and Skills